- Former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann’s rape trial in Toowoomba has been delayed until at least 2026 as his defence seeks more evidence.
- Lehrmann, who has pleaded not guilty to two charges of rape from 2021, is seeking full access to the complainant’s phone data and diaries held by the NACC.
- His legal team raised concerns about delays, non-compliance with subpoenas, and the potential destruction of exculpatory police evidence.
- The case has drawn heightened scrutiny following the collapse of previous proceedings against Lehrmann due to juror misconduct.
Former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann is facing two charges of rape in the District Court in Toowoomba. (AAP: Jono Searle)
TOOWOOMBA — The rape trial of former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann has been delayed as his defence team seeks access to additional evidence and raises concerns about the handling of existing materials.
Lehrmann, who faces two charges of rape, alleged to have occurred in Toowoomba in 2021, has pleaded not guilty.
According to ABC News, his legal team has applied for a complete and unredacted copy of a forensic download of the complainant’s mobile phone.
Defence lawyer Zali Burrows told the Toowoomba District Court: “We need full access to this material to ensure Mr Lehrmann receives a fair trial.”
Additionally, Burrows has subpoenaed the complainant’s diaries, which are currently held by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).
According to The Chronicle, she told the court that the NACC had not complied with the subpoenas and that she intended to follow up on the matter, describing the delays as “unacceptable given the impact on my client’s ability to prepare a proper defence.”
The trial, initially scheduled for later this year, is now unlikely to commence until 2026. According to ABC News, the court was informed that all trial dates for the remainder of 2025 are fully booked.
Lehrmann’s team has also raised concerns about the possible destruction of exculpatory material, including a police hard drive.
As ABC News reports, Burrows argued: “Any destruction of material that may be favourable to the defence is extremely serious and must be addressed before the trial proceeds.”
Previous proceedings involving Lehrmann have collapsed due to juror misconduct, which has heightened public and media interest in the current case. According to BBC News, the legal team stressed the importance of ensuring that the trial is conducted fairly and without procedural errors.